I remember this time of the year, especially. It was the start of the football season and we were preparing for another season as marching band members.

It was an exciting time in my life, just as it is today.

When I attended Thomson High School and played the drums in the marching band under the late band director, Guy Butler, I was as proud as I've ever been. Music was the love of my life.

I still have a fondness for music today.

Back in my high school days, it was so much fun preparing for a football game. Those of us in the band worked as hard as any athlete at the school. We practiced in the band room during sixth period everyday. And during football season, we practiced about an hour and a half more on the practice marching field in front of The Brickyard.

By the time we finished in the afternoons, we were drenched in sweat - just like the football players. And we were tired, too.

Those of us in the band were as dedicated to practicing for an upcoming football game, as the football players.

Like the Thomson High School Bulldogs football team, we were committed to being the best we could be. We didn't want to be outplayed or performed by another band - just like the football team didn't want to lose to another team.

We band members wanted to be the best and wouldn't settle for anything less.

Before a ball game at home, we marched from the band room and across Main Street before entering The Brickyard. Inside, there were football fans everywhere. Thomson High School football always has attracted big crowds.

Back then, William "Red" Bullock was head football coach. And one of the star football players was Eddie Lee Ivery. He and I graduated together in 1975. Eddie Lee went on to play college football at Georgia Tech and later played several years in the National Football League with the Green Bay Packers.

I remember fondly others that performed in the band with me. One of them was Angela Blair, ironically one of the people I work with today at The McDuffie Mirror. Angela was head majorette for our band during my senior year. I still can recall her being able to double twirl with fire.

When she performed the fire act, all of the lights were cut off in the stadium. It was pitch black. It was just one of many fine shows performed.

I also loved performing with Christy Hall Ferguson, now a teacher, as well as Jimmy Roberts and Nathaniel Culpepper. All are still friends of mine.